Nursing Schools in Rhode Island (2026)
9 accredited nursing programs found
Rhode Island has 9 nursing-relevant schools in this directory, with 3 public and 6 private institutions. Average in-state tuition is $34,596 — among the highest of any state in this directory — driven by the heavy private-college presence: public schools average $10,907 while private schools average $46,441. The 25th-to-75th-percentile tuition band runs from $16,408 to $47,930. The cheapest tracked program is the Community College of Rhode Island at $5,326 per year, and the largest by undergraduate enrollment is the University of Rhode Island at approximately 13,822.
Across Rhode Island programs the average graduation rate is 62.7 percent and the average retention rate is 73.3 percent. Median post-graduation earnings average $69,743 — among the highest in this group — and median federal debt at graduation averages $22,681 — also among the highest. The state's healthcare employer base is anchored by Lifespan, Care New England, and CharterCARE Health Partners, with most major employment concentrated in the Providence metro.
Registered Nurse Market in Rhode Island
BLS wage and employment data for registered nurses
Registered Nurse Salary in Rhode Island
Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Matches the Rhode Island average of $34,596.
Matches the Rhode Island average of 62.7%.
Matches the Rhode Island median of $69,743.
Tuition Overview
| Avg Public Tuition | $10,907 |
| Lowest Tuition | $5,326 |
| Highest Tuition | $60,848 |
| Avg Private Tuition | $46,441 |
Student Outcomes
| Avg Graduation Rate | 62.7% |
| Avg Earnings After Grad | $64,569 |
| Avg Student Debt | $22,681 |
| Total Enrollment | 48,997 |
All Nursing Schools in Rhode Island
| Institution | City | Type | Tuition (In-State) | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Rhode Island | Kingston | Public | $16,408 | 13,822 |
| Community College of Rhode Island | Warwick | Public | $5,326 | 11,455 |
| Rhode Island College | Providence | Public | $10,986 | 4,630 |
| Providence College | Providence | Private | $60,848 | 4,170 |
| Roger Williams University | Bristol | Private | $42,666 | 3,957 |
| Johnson & Wales University-Providence | Providence | Private | $40,408 | 3,913 |
| Bryant University | Smithfield | Private | $51,169 | 3,236 |
| Salve Regina University | Newport | Private | $47,930 | 2,102 |
| New England Institute of Technology | East Greenwich | Private | $35,625 | 1,712 |
Nursing Schools by City in Rhode Island
Nursing Guides & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the average nursing school tuition in Rhode Island?
What is the average graduation rate for nursing schools in Rhode Island?
What is the average retention rate in Rhode Island?
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What is the average student debt at nursing schools in Rhode Island?
How much do registered nurses earn in Rhode Island?
What is the RN job outlook for Rhode Island?
Rhode Island Nursing Market Context
BLS data for Rhode Island shows an RN median annual wage of $86,400 and a mean of $89,470. The 10th to 90th percentile range runs from $64,400 to $116,670. Statewide RN employment is approximately 11,570 and the projected growth rate is 5 percent.
Median program debt of $22,681 against an $86,400 RN median wage produces one of the tighter payback ratios in the Northeast, particularly for graduates of the higher-cost private programs that dominate the state. Graduates of the Community College of Rhode Island carry meaningfully less debt and substantially improve the math. The 90th-percentile figure of $116,670 reflects what experienced and certified Rhode Island RNs can reach in Lifespan and academic medical center settings, and proximity to higher-wage Massachusetts markets provides additional career-mobility options.